Recurring tasks for weekly and monthly chores in Task List
Give a task a repeat in Task List by Zaweba and ticking it done adds the next one in the same list, with the same tags and a fresh checklist.
Recurring tasks in Task List by Zaweba are for the jobs that come round again: putting the bins out, paying the window cleaner, sending the monthly invoice, checking the tyre pressures. Give a task a repeat and, when you tick it done, the next one appears in the same list, in the same place, with the same tags and a checklist that has been reset. You never retype it and you never copy the old one.
The repeat uses the same timetable model as reminders, which means the full range of timetables is available to tasks too.
Setting a repeat
Open a task and give it a repeat. The choices follow the reminder timetables: one-off, daily, every so many days, weekdays, weekly on chosen days every so many weeks, monthly on a date or on a weekday such as the first or last Thursday, every so many months, and annual. A repeat can skip bank holidays by moving to the next or previous working day, and it can have an end date or a count.
If you add tasks with quick add, you can type the repeat in the same line. Writing every month on the 3rd after the task name is understood, so a single line sets the title, the repeat and anything else you include, such as a #tag or stars.
What happens when you tick it
Ticking a recurring task does two things. The one you finished goes to Completed with the time you did it, so you keep a record of each round. A new one is created for the next date on the timetable, in the same list, in the same position in your own order, with the same tags. If the task has a checklist, the new copy starts with every step unticked.
That is what makes recurring tasks feel natural. You deal with the one in front of you, and the next is quietly waiting.
Chores with steps
The reset checklist is the useful part for routines that have several steps. A monthly close might be: reconcile the bank, chase late payers, file receipts, back up the accounts. Put those in the task's checklist and the row shows progress such as 2 of 5. Next month the list is fresh.
A weekly shop, a cleaning rota or a holiday packing list for regular trips works the same way.
Getting a nudge as well
A recurring task shows in the smart views when it is due: Today for the day itself, Overdue if it slips, and Next 7 days as it approaches. If you want a pop-up as well, use Remind me about this task. The linked reminder can follow the task's own repeat, and the pop-up's Task done button ticks the task for you.
Tasks or reminders
Task List has both, and it helps to choose well. A recurring task is something you do and tick off. A reminder is something you need to be told about at a time, with a pop-up and optionally an email. An annual MOT is usually a reminder with a warning in advance. Changing the bedding every week is a task. Some things want both, which is what the linked reminder is for.
Where routines go wrong
Do not delete a recurring task to stop it for a while; ticking keeps the pattern, and the next one appears. If the routine really has ended, give the repeat an end date or a count, or remove the repeat. And keep the title general, such as Pay window cleaner, rather than tied to a month, since the same title is used each time.
